Safety Appliance Standards Part 231 Movement of Defective
- Slides: 8
Safety Appliance Standards Part 231 Movement of Defective Freight Cars Module 8
Module Objectives • List conditions associated with the movement of defective locomotives or cars for repair with safety appliance defects • Recognize deviations from the standards Module 8 2
Definitions Classification of Components Ø Safety Appliance - Handhold, ladder, dome platform, sill step, safety railing, handbrake components, running board, etc. Ø Power Brake – Brake valves, brake valve components, pipe bracket, brake reservoir, brake cylinder, piston travel, brake beam, brake shoe key, brake lever, brake rod safety hanger, brake pin, etc. Module 8 3
Movement for Repair Locomotives & Freight Cars • A freight car defective under CFR Part 231 or 232 may move to the nearest location for repair after meeting the conditions stipulated under 49 USC 20303. • This movement provision is not to be confused with the provisions under Part 229. 9 or 215. 9. • 49 USC 20303 is very restrictive and does not allow for the movement of defective equipment for the purposes of convenience or at the arbitrary discretion of the railroad. Module 8 4
Conditions for Movement • Repairs cannot be made where the defect(s) are first discovered in a safe and reasonable manner. • Movement is permitted only when hauled for repair to the nearest repair point. • Car may not be loaded or unloaded first, unless unloading is consistent with effecting safe repairs. • The use of a mobile repair truck could be construed as the repair point provided that repairs can be made without exposing railroad employees to unnecessary personal injury. • Bad Order or Home Shop Tag not necessary under current regulation, but Burden of Proof is. Module 8 5
Interchange • Interchange of freight car defective under Part 231 or 232 allowed if; üConnecting railroad is in agreement. üConnecting railroad hauls car for repair only. üConnecting railroad repair point is no further than delivering railroad repair point. Module 8 6
Key Considerations • Knowledge of defect. • Convenience, economic or practical arguments are not legitimate defenses for moving a defective car for repair. • Railroad not relieved of its liability should injury or death occur to a railroad employee • Safe and reasonable. • FRA does not expect railroads to comply with the Safety Appliance Law at the expense of exposing its employees to unnecessary danger or risk of personal injury. Module 8 7
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